Full Report
In the Army’s latest step to beef up its counter-unmanned aerial system capabilities, the service has formally asked industry for ideas to field high-energy laser systems capable of blasting small- to medium-sized drones out of the sky. According to a request for information filed late last week, the Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) is seeking solutions to protect “semi…
Analysis Summary
# Industry News: Army Seeks Industry for Next-Gen Counter-Drone Laser Systems (E-HEL)
## Summary
The U.S. Army's Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking industry solutions for the Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program, the service's first program of record for a family of high-energy laser systems. The goal is to quickly field systems capable of neutralizing small- to medium-sized drones threatening fixed and maneuver forces.
## Key Details
- **Date:** Late last week (as reported Nov 04, 2025)
- **Companies Involved:** U.S. Army RCCTO (Requesting Information) – Industry OEMs/Integrators (Responding)
- **Category:** Government Procurement / Technology RFI
## The Story
The Army is prioritizing counter-UAS (C-UAS) capabilities, specifically seeking industry input for its E-HEL program. This initiative aims to procure 20 E-HEL systems using a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) to counter Group 1, 2, and certain Group 3 attack drones. The Army anticipates initiating the contract award process in Q2 FY2026 or later, signaling a commitment to integrating directed energy weapons into tactical operations against the growing drone threat.
## Business Impact
### For the Companies Involved
- **Responders (Defense Contractors):** This RFI signals a significant near-term revenue opportunity in the directed energy and C-UAS sector, particularly for companies specializing in high-energy lasers and MOSA-compliant defense systems. It validates investment in directed energy technology maturation.
### For Competitors
- **Directed Energy & C-UAS Providers:** Companies currently supplying kinetic or traditional C-UAS solutions may see increased pressure to demonstrate viable directed energy alternatives or integrated hybrid solutions, as the Army pivots towards scalable, cost-effective laser options.
### For Customers
- **U.S. Army Users:** End users, particularly forces operating in theaters with high drone density, stand to gain a more effective, potentially lower-cost-per-shot defense mechanism against increasingly prevalent UAS threats than traditional munitions offer.
### For the Market
- **Directed Energy Market Growth:** This program underscores a strategic shift within the DoD toward rapidly fielding directed energy solutions. It will drive competition and further growth in the market segment focused on solid-state lasers for defense applications.
## Technical Implications
The requirement for a **Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA)** is crucial. It indicates the Army favors systems that can be rapidly upgraded, integrated with existing platforms, and allow for faster insertion of next-generation laser components without costly, platform-level redesigns. The focus on neutralizing small-to-medium drones suggests specific power and beam quality requirements for effective 'dismount' or 'disable' decisions against maneuverable targets.
## Strategic Analysis
- **Market Positioning:** RCCTO is accelerating the transition from prototype to Program of Record, giving an advantage to contractors who have already sufficiently matured their high-energy laser technologies and established foundational MOSA expertise.
- **Competitive Advantage:** Success will hinge not just on laser power, but on beam resiliency, size, weight, and power (SWaP) suitable for maneuver forces, and compliance with open architecture standards.
- **Challenges:** Overcoming atmospheric effects (fog, dust) that degrade beam effectiveness, ensuring system longevity under tactical stress, and meeting aggressive fielding timelines present significant engineering hurdles.
## Industry Reactions
- **Analyst Opinions:** Analysts are likely viewing this as confirmation that directed energy is moving from science fiction to essential operational capability, driven by the proliferation of cheap, effective adversarial drones.
- **Expert Commentary:** Commentary will focus on the specific power levels the Army seeks (likely in the 50kW to 100kW range for effective drone engagement) and the interpretation of the MOSA requirement by leading defense primes and smaller high-tech specialist firms.
## Future Outlook
- **Predictions and Expectations:** Expect numerous RFI responses detailing various laser platforms (fiber, etc.). The ensuing solicitation phase will closely scrutinize vendors’ paths to achieving operational readiness by the FY2026 target. Future E-HEL variants will likely target higher-power applications against rockets, artillery, and mortars (C-RAM).
- **What to watch for:** The specific criteria RCCTO uses to down-select initial solutions and the successful demonstration of MOSA integration flexibility.
## For Security Professionals
While this is an acquisition story, it directly impacts tactical force protection. Security planning must account for the eventual fielding of directed energy C-UAS within Army formations. This means future operational planning (OPLANs) must integrate the capabilities and limitations of laser countermeasures alongside electronic warfare and kinetic defenses against drone swarms.